Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Health Reporter
GOVERNMENT is fast-tracking the National Health Insurance Scheme as part of urgent reforms to protect citizens from rising medical costs and ensure universal access to quality health services, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora has said.
Presenting Zimbabwe’s health sector update during the 76th East, Central and Southern Africa (ECSA) Health Ministers’ Conference held in Eswatini last week, Dr Mombeshora said the proposed scheme, whose draft Bill is now awaiting submission to Parliament, would provide financial risk protection for families while creating a more sustainable and equitable health financing system.
He said growing out-of-pocket spending and limited public funding were placing heavy pressure on households, making health insurance reforms critical to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
“To enhance financial protection, Zimbabwe is fast-tracking the National Health Insurance Scheme. Public expenditure on health remains below the Abuja target of 15 percent and out-of-pocket spending continues to rise,” he said.
The scheme will allow the country to pool resources, expand access to essential services and protect families from catastrophic health costs.
The planned NHIS is expected to mobilise domestic resources through contributions from workers, employers and Government, while subsidising vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and low-income households.
Once operational, it will enable citizens to access services across public and accredited private health facilities without paying large sums at the point of care.
Health financing experts say the move could reduce inequalities in access to treatment, particularly for chronic illnesses and specialised services that often force families into debt.
Dr Mombeshora told delegates that despite fiscal constraints and reduced donor support, Zimbabwe’s health system has shown resilience and continued to record improvements in key indicators.
“Zimbabwe’s health system has demonstrated notable resilience in recent years. Despite fiscal constraints and the withdrawal of key donor support, we have sustained essential services and continued to improve population health outcomes,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora noted that life expectancy has risen from 61 years in 2012 to 65 years in 2022, with women now living on average up to 68 years, gains he attributed to sustained Government commitment and the dedication of health workers.
However, he warned that challenges persist.
“Maternal mortality has declined significantly, but increases in institutional maternal deaths and neonatal mortality signal the need for targeted quality-of-care interventions, particularly around childbirth and early neonatal care. Public health threats such as rising tuberculosis incidence and malaria outbreaks underscore the need for strong disease surveillance and response systems,” said Dr Mombeshora.
The Minister said building a capable health workforce remained central to delivering quality services, with vacancy levels declining in recent years.
Government has expanded training institutions and is implementing a Health Workforce Investment Compact to address shortages, although migration and uneven distribution of staff remain concerns.
Zimbabwe is also prioritising access to medicines, with a focus on recapitalising the National Pharmaceutical Company to strengthen procurement and reduce stockouts, particularly for chronic conditions and reproductive health supplies.
Dr Mombeshora said regional cooperation was critical in helping countries share best practices and strengthen health systems in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals and the UHC 2030 framework.
“In conclusion, Zimbabwe has made measurable progress despite resource constraints.
“As we intensify efforts toward Universal Health Coverage by 2030, we reaffirm our commitment to domestic financing, targeted reforms and strong partnerships to secure a healthier future for all Zimbabweans,” he said.
